Educators and parents agree that today’s schools need to place more emphasis on creativity in the classroom, based on recent studies.* Linking creativity with continuous improvement to strengthen outcomes and build capacity is a key focus of the 21st National Quality Education Conference(NQEC) sponsored by ASQ. The conference will be held November 17-18, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee, Wis.

This year’s theme is Creativity and Innovation: Keys to 21st Century Learning. The conference features the following keynote speakers:

•Monday, Nov. 18, 8:40 a.m. – 9:40 a.m. – Alan M. Blankstein, Founder and President, HOPE Foundation and author of the best-selling book, Failure Is Not an Option®: Six Principles That Guide Student Achievement in High-Performing Schools, will focus his presentation on the rise of the quality movement in education, where it is today and a vision for what’s on the horizon. He will provide a clear, compelling picture of what is possible in these challenging times.

“In this highly competitive world, it’s more crucial than ever that educators help students learn vital skills of collaboration, critical thinking, communication and creativity,” said Dr. Sternke.
“Attending NQEC can inspire teachers and administrators to create a new framework for improving their own school systems and raising the bar on student achievement.”

Education experts are featured in five major focus areas supporting the national education agenda for high standards, data-driven decisions and increased graduation rates. These areas include:

Those new to quality in education will want to check a special session, Get in the Game! A Comprehensive Overview of Continuous Improvement in Education, led by Jay Marino, Superintendent and Mandy Ellis, Principal; Dunlap Grade School, Dunlap, Ill.

NQEC is the nation’s leading conference for teachers, administrators and support personnel to learn about the use of quality tools and concepts that can be applied to improve U.S. schools. It is an outstanding opportunity for educators seeking awareness, commitment, refinement and measurable progress in applying continuous improvement approaches and processes.

About ASQ
ASQ is a global community of people dedicated to quality who share the ideas and tools that make our world work better. With millions of individual and organizational members of the community in 150 countries, ASQ has the reputation and reach to bring together the diverse quality champions who are transforming the world’s corporations, organizations and communities to meet tomorrow’s critical challenges. ASQ is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., with national service centers in China, India, Mexico and a regional service center in the United Arab Emirates. Learn more about ASQ’s members, mission, technologies and training at http://www.asq.org.